A Step-by-step process for starting your own podcast that will take you about 30-minutes to read.
So, you’ve got a podcast idea. You’ve come up with the perfect title, nailed down your niche, and maybe even planned out a few episodes. You’re pumped, ready to hit “record” and share your brilliance with the world! But then you stop. Wait…you don’t have the idea? You’re not sure what you want to talk about? You don’t know where to start – you just know you have SOMETHING to say and you’re ready to say it. That’s what My Podcast Workshop helps with!
Odd are, you’re like a majority of aspiring podcasters. You might have an idea, but something along the way intimidated you or confused you, so you stepped away from your dream. What kind of microphone should you buy? Where do you even record? What’s the best way to edit, and how do you get your podcast on platforms like Apple and Spotify? It’s overwhelming for those, like me, who have been in media for most of their careers. I’ve hosted radio and television programs. I’ve programmed multiple radio stations in different towns, hours away from each other.
Suddenly, your big dream turns into a mountain of confusing decisions. Fear not, though. I’m here to walk you through everything you didn’t know you didn’t know about starting a podcast. And trust me, there’s a lot.
Before we dive in, though, I should warn you: Starting a podcast can be more complex than you think. It’s not just talking into a mic and hitting “upload.” There are layers. Lots of layers. But hey, if you’re still with me after this (and hopefully not curled up in a corner, rocking back and forth), you’ll see why My Podcast Workshop can be your best friend in this process.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Deciding on Equipment
The first hurdle: Equipment.
When you tell someone you want to start a podcast, they immediately ask, “What kind of mic are you going to use?” Suddenly, you realize, oh right, I’ll need more than just my laptop and a dream. Here’s the truth: the type of equipment you buy will depend on how serious you are, your budget, and the quality you’re aiming for.
You’ll quickly realize that a podcast recorded with your laptop’s built-in microphone sounds about as appealing as a muffled voicemail from 2002. If you want listeners to stick around, you’ll need gear that makes your voice sound like velvet (or at least not like static and wind).
Audio Equipment:
This is the most critical piece of equipment you’ll buy. You can get away with recording on your phone, but it won’t be pretty. For those who want to sound professional from the start, look for a good USB or XLR microphone. Let me decode that for you.
- USB microphones: These plug directly into your computer, which is fantastic for simplicity. No extra gear needed. However, you sacrifice a little control over the sound quality.
- Recommended models: Audio-Technica AT2020 (solid, reliable), Blue Yeti (popular but don’t talk too far away or too close), Rode NT-USB (highly versatile. I use the XLR Rode NT-1), Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB.
- XLR microphones: For the control freaks out there, XLR mics offer superior audio quality and customization options. The catch? You’ll need an audio interface to connect it to your computer. That’s one more thing to buy, learn, and manage.
- Recommended models: Shure SM7B (used by pros, so naturally you’ll want it too), Rode Procaster (broadcast quality), Audio-Technica AT2035 (highly regarded and won’t kill your budget as badly).
Oh, and don’t forget about headphones. You’ll need a pair that blocks out all the distractions so you can focus on your dulcet tones. Look for something like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, which are comfy for long sessions and give you accurate sound monitoring. Trust me, they’ll make all the difference
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Pop Filter: Ever heard someone on a podcast whose “P” sounds practically pop out of your headphones? That’s what a pop filter prevents. It’s a small, inexpensive way to make your audio sound a bit smoother.
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Headphones: You need to hear what you sound like while recording. Over-ear, closed-back headphones are great for blocking out external noise.
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Recommended Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, Sony MDR (what I’ve used for years in radio).
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Audio Interface: If you’re going for a higher-end mic (like the Shure SM7B), you’ll need an interface to connect it to your computer. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a solid, reliable choice, and the one I use.
Video Equipment:
Video podcasting adds another element to the formula and it is rapidly becoming one that audience’s desire. Podcasting, for a long time, was and audio-based program. Today, platforms like Spotify offer video to go along with the audio. Video engages the consumer and lets them get to know you better, seeing your body language, facial expressions, eyes, and smile. They know you better and they will relate to you more. Video isn’t mandatory, but it will set you apart from the rest, and if you start with a video podcast and craft it so the audio-only version works well, too, then you’re ready when the industry shifts to a more video-centric norm.
If you’re diving into video podcasting—because why not add more work? —you’ll need some extra gear.
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A good camera is essential. Your phone could work, but only if it’s a higher-end model and you’ve got lighting to compensate. Otherwise, you’re in DSLR or webcam territory. While webcams work, DSLR or mirrorless cameras provide a more professional look. Consider a Canon EOS M50 or a Sony a6400 (I use this for Overthinking Everything).
- Recommended cameras: Logitech C922 (budget-friendly), Sony ZV-E10 (a fantastic mid-range option), Canon EOS M50 (professional-level without the Hollywood price).
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Speaking of lighting, don’t skimp here. The best camera in the world won’t save you if your room is lit like a cave. You want soft, even lighting that doesn’t make you look like a horror movie villain. Consider a ring light or softboxes to illuminate your glorious face.
- Recommended lighting: Neewer Ring Light (cheap and effective), Elgato Key Light (sleek and professional).
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Green screen, blurred background, or clearly defined tchotchkes that reveal more about your personality or theme? If you’re doing video, you want your video to look clean and consistent. Set up a designated podcasting space, or at least a backdrop that’s visually pleasing and clutter-free. If your viewers can see what’s behind you, you risk distraction. The benefit is that, while the ADHD-podcast audience is listening, they’re scanning your backdrop for details to learn more about you.
Step 2: Finding the Perfect Space
Where you record is almost as important as what you’re recording on. If you’re thinking of just plopping down in your living room—think again. Echoes, background noise, and your neighbor’s barking dog will ruin your recording faster than you can say “dead air.”
Contrary to popular belief, recording in your kitchen with tile floors and bouncing sound waves isn’t going to cut it. You need a quiet, non-echoey environment.
Home Studios:
The dream scenario? A dedicated home studio. But if you don’t have the space (or you’re podcasting from your kitchen like a lot of folks start out), you can still tweak your environment for better sound.
Soft furnishings—carpets, rugs, curtains—help dampen sound and reduce echo. Blankets hung on the walls? Also surprisingly effective. Got a closet with clothes hanging in it? Boom! Instant sound booth. Go ahead, crawl in there with your mic. It’s cozy and sounds great.
For extra points, invest in some acoustic panels. These spongy squares are both functional and make you look like you know what you’re doing. Pro tip: They’re perfect for soundproofing if your housemates have, let’s say, “disruptive tendencies.” If you aren’t sure where to start, My Podcast Workshop was founded by a professional voice actor (that’s me) and we offer consultation on your recording space, as well.
Home Studio Tips
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Carpet & Curtains: These are your best friends. Sound loves to bounce off hard surfaces, but soft, absorbent materials help keep your audio clear. Sound blankets are best with moving blankets a distant second. The cost difference between the two is so minimal, I would invest in professional sound blankets with metal grommets for hanging ease.
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Small Room, Better Sound: Bigger spaces can lead to more echo. A smaller, cozy room is usually best. You can treat for sound issues with acoustic panels and bass or corner traps. Still, you will want some help with your audio processing presets in your editing software.
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Avoid Noisy Appliances: Turn off the AC, close the windows, and for the love of podcasts, don’t record next to the fridge. Even the sounds you don’t think will register, might. If you have an office or dedicated recording space, one of the things you can do to help dampen the outside noise interference is a solid-core exterior door. You’d be surprised how much that does to lessen the sounds of your home.
Renting Studio Space:
If your home is too noisy, messy, or full of distractions (looking at you, kids), consider renting a studio. Many cities have podcasting studios that come with professional-grade equipment. You won’t have to worry about anything but showing up and talking. Plus, it’ll make you feel like a pro. Public libraries and educational institutions are starting to invest in community recording spaces or equipment you may be able to ‘check-out’, like you would a book.
Step 3: Coordinating Personalities and Guests
If you’re doing a solo podcast, this step won’t apply. But if you’re planning on co-hosts, guest interviews, or panel discussions, coordination is key. It’s like herding cats—only with a microphone in hand.
If you’re recording in person with your co-hosts or guests, you’ll need multiple microphones. This means more audio interfaces (like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) or a podcasting mixer with multiple inputs (think Rodecaster Pro, which makes this process a breeze).
Recording remotely? Welcome to the world of remote interviews and dodgy Wi-Fi connections. Platforms like Zoom, SquadCast, or Riverside.fm allow for remote recording, but make sure everyone’s got a decent mic and stable internet. And remember: the better your guests sound, the better your podcast sounds.
Multi-track recording is your best friend here. It records each person’s audio separately, which means if your co-host sneezes mid-sentence, you can mute that on their track without affecting the others. Trust me, future you will thank you for this.
Next, let’s discuss the things that will make your life SO much easier: Organization, Standards, and Best Practices.
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Scheduling: Finding time for multiple people can be a challenge. Use scheduling tools like Calendly to avoid endless email chains or group texts (seriously, STOP with group texts!). Find you own system and process or seek out professionals who can help
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Equipment Consistency: Make sure everyone has similar equipment. If one person has high-end gear and the other’s using their iPhone’s earbuds, it’ll show. There may be times this is unavoidable, but consider that these are the interviews and episodes that are likely to get the least engagement because they will be very difficult to consume for the audience. We experience a similar frustration in live broadcasts where the news anchor is talking to someone on-site of the story, but the connection isn’t stable.
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Communication: Establish clear roles. Who’s leading the conversation? Who’s in charge of editing? Is there a moderator? Everyone has a part to play. Be sure when you speak with guests that you have a checklist to go over with them of your rules for being on the show. You want to ensure the guest stays on topic, doesn’t interrupt or talk over other guests, and that everyone has an opportunity to be served. The guest is usually there for a reason, sometimes to promote their own project, but their project’s topic relates to yours, so that’s what makes them a natural addition. However, your audience won’t want an infomercial for someone else’s project. They’re tuning into you for your project. Communicate clearly what your expectations are for their promotion of their project, and make sure you are clear on their expectations as well. This is how you build a roster of “go-to experts” in the future.
Recording Online Interviews
In today’s world, remote interviews are more common than ever. Many people meet someone on social media from another part of the country or friends and collaborators who don’t live close want to launch a podcast. Thankfully, there are a ton of options for recording online interviews or panels without compromising audio quality.
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Zoom or Skype: These are popular options, but the audio quality isn’t always top-notch.
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Zencastr: This is a go-to for many podcasters. It records high-quality audio on both ends and syncs it up for you.
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Riverside.fm: A newer option that provides studio-quality audio and video for remote recordings.
Step 4: Editing – The Real Grind Begins
Ah yes, the dreaded edit. Here’s where the magic happens—or where the nightmare begins. Editing is time-consuming but necessary for producing a polished podcast. Editing is where your podcast goes from a jumble of awkward silences and “uhm’s” to a tight, professional-sounding show. This is the step most new podcasters underestimate in terms of both time and complexity.
Audio Editing Tools:
You’ve got choices here, ranging from free to fancy. Audacity is a popular free option for beginners, but if you’re serious about production quality, you’ll want something like Adobe Audition or Hindenburg. These tools offer advanced features like noise reduction, equalization, and compression, all of which help make your podcast sound like it was produced in a professional studio and not in your closet.
Editing Tip: You don’t need to cut out every single pause or breath, but cleaning up obvious mistakes, awkward transitions, and background noise will give your podcast a polished feel.
If editing sounds like the seventh circle of hell, consider outsourcing this task. Many podcasters hire freelance editors to do the dirty work. But keep in mind, that costs money, and you’ll still need to provide clear instructions. Online tools and software also helps, including clipping out snippets to share on social media as cross-promotion.
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Editing Software: If you’re just starting out, try Audacity (free) or GarageBand (Mac). As you get more comfortable, you might upgrade to Adobe Audition or Reaper.
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Basic Editing: You’ll want to remove long pauses, “umms,” background noise, and anything that detracts from the flow. Tools like Descript can do some of this for you, but at subscription cost
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Advanced Techniques: As you get more advanced, you can add in intros, outros, music, sound effects, and even ads.
Pro Tips:
Edit down ruthlessly.
If it doesn’t add value, cut it.
Nobody wants to listen to unnecessary rambling.
Don’t take this the wrong way, but we’re not always as interesting as we think and those times when we’re on the phone with our friend thinking, “this really should have been a podcast episode”? Those instincts are wrong. Most people don’t want to listen to the side chats in a conversation or where it trails off into stories tertiarily related to your topic or worse – inside jokes, references, and stories only the people talking get. The reality of those hours-long phone calls is, there may be some of that which was interesting or captivating, but if it was recorded, you could probably trim it up to less than half. Self-editing requires self-awareness and checking your ego at the door.
Step 5: Producing Your Podcast
Editing and production go hand-in-hand. Editing is one thing, but producing is the next level. This is where you set the flow of the show, add in music, sound effects, and create the overall vibe of your show and add any extra elements that give it personality. Do you want background music or special segment breaks that distinguish different thematic transitions in your content? A friend and radio colleague of mine asked me why I ran music underneath my show, Overthinking Everything, rather than the broadcast tradition of using bumper music that slowly fades down as the host speaks. My reasoning was the rise of AI voice-to-text modeling, as a voice actor, I didn’t want to have hours and hours of my voice just out there, raw. Plus, aesthetically, I liked the progression with the music underneath, but you may face similar choices and reasonings as you proceed with your journey. My Podcast Workshop can help with those minor details you didn’t know you didn’t know.
Music & Sound Effects
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Intro/Outro Music: Start by creating an intro and outro. This is your signature. Start strong and end strong. Think of it like the theme song to your favorite TV show—short, snappy, and instantly recognizable. Choose music that fits the tone of your podcast. You don’t need to compose an original score (unless that’s your thing), but a catchy jingle can go a long way in making your podcast sound professional. There are tons of royalty-free music libraries many podcasters use from websites like AudioJungle, Artlist, Epidemic Sound, or YouTube’s Audio Library. Make sure you have the rights to any music you use. You don’t want to get slapped with a copyright claim after you’ve already built an audience.
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Transitions & Effects: Adding transitions between segments can give your podcast a polished, professional vibe.
- Sound Effects: I hate to rain on your parade, but if you’re using sound effects like an 80’s morning radio announcer, most audiences won’t find that appealing unless it’s part of the schtick you’re aiming for. You don’t have to sound like a proper broadcast news channel, buy you also don’t want to distract from your audience’s attention span with sound effects that may be more for your entertainment than the audience’s.
PROTIP: Metadata
Don’t forget to input your episode titles, descriptions, and tags before exporting. You want everything to be clean and organized when uploading to platforms.
Step 6: Distribution – Getting Your Podcast Out There
Congratulations! You’ve made it through the gauntlet of recording, editing, and producing your podcast. But now what? How do you actually get it to your listeners? Now that you’ve got your masterpiece, it’s time to release it to the world. This part might seem simple, but there are a ton of distribution platforms, and each has its own quirks.
You’ll need a podcast host. Not you. You already have you. You need a service to host the audio file. This isn’t Apple, Amazon, or Google Podcasts. For a long time, Anchor was the easiest and most cost-effective. Spotify acquired Anchor, recently rebranding to Spotify for Podcasters, and now hosts your episodes and distributes them to platforms like Apple, Google Podcasts, and Spotify (for listeners). There are other services, which require subscriptions for advanced features, some you may find valuable to help grow your podcast. This is entirely dependent on your podcasting goals.
For example, when I designed Overthinking Everything, I had specific creative goals in mind and I decided I did not want to monetize that project through ads. I was telling a story from start to finish, much like an audiobook, creating an entire series, chapter-by-pre-planned-chapter, rather than letting my metrics and analytics guide and determine my future episodes. In a more strategic podcast launch where the idea is curating that growth week-to-week, month-to-month, allowing the audience to guide you, then you might find another service’s analytics better suit your needs.
Recommended podcast hosts:
- Spotify for Podcasters: Incredibly user-friendly, great for beginners, easy to digest analytics, great options for distribution, and FREE.
- Buzzsprout: Super user-friendly and great for professionals ready to immediately monetize. Not ideal for beginners due to limitations with the free version. Most everything you will need for a podcast is behind a subscription wall, but once subscribed, the features are quite nice
- Podbean: Professional or Hobbyist-friendly. Like others, the subscription paywall is there for more features, but they offer free services as well.
- Libsyn: One of the oldest podcast hosts, packed with advanced features.
Once you’ve uploaded your episode to the host, it’s time to write show notes, which give listeners an overview of what the episode’s about. Don’t skimp here. Well-crafted show notes can entice listeners to hit “play,” and they’re also great for SEO (search engine optimization—because yes, you want people to be able to find your podcast).
Step 7: Marketing – You’ve Got the Podcast, Now Get the Listeners
If you thought recording was hard, now you’ve entered the marathon that is marketing your podcast. Creating the podcast is only half the battle. Here’s a critical reality check: If you build it, they won’t necessarily come. You need to actively market your podcast to grow an audience. No matter how great your content is, nobody will listen if they don’t know it exists. Even still, today, a large audience costs money. If you have a budget to invest in buying exposure, you can grow your audience. If you don’t have thousands of dollars a month factored into your already expanding podcasting budget, then embrace the reality that whether you are talking to fifteen, five hundred, five thousand, or five million, your professionalism and approach doesn’t change. Find the peace in your message reaching anybody and you will begin creating content that will reach everybody. Let’s be real – you have something to say and you want people to hear it. You’re putting in all this effort, time, and investment for 40 subscribers?
Sometimes, yes. There is nothing wrong with that. If you’re doing this for millions of followers and clout, financial gain, or greater exposure, that’s fine. But for others, it’s ok to live in a place where you are creating content and you are content with whomever finds your content. Something tells me that sentence works better spoken aloud. Still, even without the thousands of marketing dollars, you can somewhat control your own destiny.
Social Media Presence:
Create dedicated social media accounts for your podcast. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are essential for sharing episode updates, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging with your audience. Use eye-catching visuals and snippets from your episodes to grab attention.
Cross-Promotion:
Leverage cross-promotion to grow your audience. Appear as a guest on other podcasts and invite fellow podcasters to your show. This exposes you to their listeners and helps build a network within the podcasting community.
Podcast Aggregators:
Submit your podcast to places like Podchaser or Listen Notes for extra visibility.
Paid Advertising:
Consider investing in paid ads to boost your podcast’s visibility. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads offer targeted advertising options that can help you reach potential listeners who are interested in your niche.
Engagement:
Engage with your listeners directly. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and encourage reviews. Building a loyal community around your podcast can lead to organic growth and word-of-mouth promotion.
Step 8: How Often Should You Release Podcast Episodes?
The next big questions is: How often should you release episodes? It’s a decision that can impact your workflow, audience engagement, and the overall success of your show. Let’s break down the pros and cons of releasing episodes weekly, biweekly, or monthly.
Weekly Releases
Pros:
- Consistency builds audience loyalty. A weekly schedule gives listeners a reason to return to your show regularly and helps them form a habit around tuning in.
- Staying top of mind. With weekly content, your podcast stays fresh in your audience’s minds, making it easier to grow your listener base.
- Better momentum for growth. The more content you release, the more chances you have to be discovered through platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Weekly episodes maximize those opportunities.
Cons:
- More demanding on time. Producing a high-quality episode every week requires a significant time commitment. Between planning, recording, editing, and marketing, weekly episodes can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re a solo podcaster.
- Risk of burnout. Keeping up with a weekly schedule can lead to creative fatigue. If you’re struggling to keep up, it may result in rushed content or missed deadlines, which can hurt your podcast’s reputation.
Biweekly (Every Two Weeks) Releases
Pros:
- More breathing room for quality. With two weeks between episodes, you have more time to refine your content, improve editing, and market each episode effectively.
- Easier to maintain consistency. Biweekly schedules offer a nice balance between regular content and avoiding burnout. It’s more sustainable for podcasters with busy schedules or those balancing podcasting with other commitments.
- Still frequent enough to keep listeners engaged. Listeners are less likely to forget about your show, as two weeks is frequent enough to maintain a sense of anticipation.
Cons:
- Less momentum. While still regular, a biweekly schedule might not build growth as fast as a weekly one. Some listeners might prefer more frequent content, and fewer episodes may mean fewer chances to be discovered.
- Risk of losing connection. Some audiences prefer a more continuous connection, and a longer gap could result in decreased engagement between episodes.
Monthly Releases
Pros:
- Ideal for complex, in-depth topics. If your podcast dives deep into niche or highly researched content, a monthly release schedule gives you ample time to create thorough, well-produced episodes.
- Low pressure. A monthly release is manageable, especially if you’re balancing multiple projects or podcasting as a side hobby. It allows for more time to build each episode without sacrificing quality.
- Build anticipation. For shows that offer unique or high-value content, a monthly release can create anticipation and excitement among your listeners.
Cons:
- Harder to build an audience quickly. The longer gap between episodes can make it harder to grow your listener base, especially when competing with podcasts that release more frequently.
- Risk of being forgotten. Unless your content is highly engaging and memorable, listeners may lose interest or forget about your podcast between monthly episodes.
- Less feedback loop. A slower release schedule may result in delayed feedback from listeners, making it harder to adjust your content based on audience preferences.
Choosing your release schedule depends on your capacity and your audience’s expectations. If you’re unsure, start with a biweekly schedule to see how it feels and adjust as you go. Ultimately, consistency is key—whether you’re weekly, biweekly, or monthly, stick to your plan so listeners know when to expect your next episode.
Batch Recording: One great tip is to record multiple episodes in advance so you always have content ready to go, even during busy weeks.
Step 10: Building a Following
Ready for the hard truth? There is very little you can do to control growing and building your following. This isn’t an age of organic growth. We are in an era of pay-to-play. What this means is, “if you want to play like the big podcasters, then you better be ready to buy your audience”. That may sound hopeless and counter-intuitive to my whole business model, but My Podcast Workshop isn’t about getting you a million instant follows. My Podcast Workshop is about making you a stronger host, a more entertaining personality, and a celebrity in the eyes of any who might find your podcast. There just aren’t that many platforms anymore who will promote and push your product just because it’s there. Most every one requires you to invest money to “promote” your content. What that means is they are willing to manipulate their algorithm to include you – if you pay them enough money.
Set your standards-of-excellence higher than your expectations-of-audience and you’ll be in good shape.
Million-dollar marketing budgets aside, growing your audience on a limited budget doing it on your own is called organic growth. This is the kind of grown that is naturally occurring, based on the work of you and the quality and desirability of the content you’ve created. This also takes a lot of effort, time, and patience, but there are a few key strategies to help speed up the process:
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Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, messages, and feedback. Building a relationship with your listeners makes them more likely to stick around.
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Run Giveaways: Encourage listeners to share your podcast or leave reviews in exchange for a giveaway. It’s a simple and effective way to boost visibility.
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Email Lists: Build an email list to update your audience on new episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and bonus material.
Step 11: Why You Need a Branded Username, Online Identifier, and Website
Link sites have been popular in recent years, especially among the growing number of amateur content creators and would-be social media influencers. For some, a simple site that they can reference with a quick “link in bio” that has all their other social media links is essential for migration of followers to other platforms, which is a key strategy for funneling followers into fans.
At very least, if you are trying to be in the public eye, you want that public to be able to see you. Having a dedicated website for your podcast can help boost credibility and offer a central hub for your audience.
There is a cost involved with this, but this must be factored into your budget if you want to grow an audience and have the kind of podcast people talk about. Does every viral podcast have its own branded website? Look and you will see that is the rule. Success without the basics of branding is an exception to that role. In My Podcast Workshop, we spend a significant portion of the program early on discussing your branded username, online identifer, online identity, and public-facing brand. It’s that important for consistency and longevity. I speak about this more in my book INFLUENCE: Overthinking Everything About Social Media, there are challenges a content creator faces when starting an account and deciding on an online name only to discover that someone else had the same pun-centric personality on another platform. That limits your opportunities for growth and uniqueness.
The benefits of a branded website go beyond legitimacy and “looking like a pro”. It’s being a pro.
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Legitimacy, Credibility, Gravitas: Imagine someone approaches you at a networking event and you are really impressed with their ideas and perspective. You exchange business cards, and you look at their contact info and their email is whatever-it-might-be@gmail.com. I use Gmail. I’m not knocking Gmail. It’s that professionalism we all notice when someone has a free-hosted email and when someone’s email is their-name@their-business.com. We even know the prejudice involved in the other dot-whatevers. This is why the branded username and website process is so important to your overall brand.
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SEO Benefits: A website with show notes and episode transcripts helps your podcast get found in search engines. This can drive more organic traffic to your podcast and help grow your audience. There are many tools online that can help you
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Monetization: A website gives you a platform to sell merchandise, offer bonus content, or set up a donation page (Patreon, anyone?). Plus, you can host ads on your site, giving you yet another way to earn revenue from your podcast.
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Branding: A website gives your podcast a professional edge and a permanent home on the web. It shows you’re serious about what you do and gives listeners a place to learn more about you and your content.
Step 12: How to Earn Money Podcasting
Once you’ve built a loyal audience (which takes time—don’t expect it overnight), you can start exploring ways to monetize your podcast. There are a few different ways podcasters can turn their efforts into a paycheck. Be aware that some of these may not align with your values or goals. The idea that you could have the opportunity to endorse products for compensation might seem like you’ve “made it”, but caveat emptor, friends. Buyer Beware. You do not want to be associated with a brand, product, or strategy that doesn’t promote you in the right light. These are decisions you should be ready to make going into starting your podcasting journey. Let’s look at a few of the ways you might earn while podcasting (besides delivering food).
Sponsorships:
Sponsorships are a significant revenue stream for many podcasters. Brands pay to have their products or services promoted on your show. Start with smaller, niche-specific sponsors and work your way up as your audience grows. Be sure these opportunities align with your overall message. Your audience will understand you’ve got bills to pay, but they will also spot inauthenticity. That is one of the biggest turn-offs for the media consumer.
- Ad Networks: Once you’ve gained traction, you can join podcast ad networks like Midroll or Podcorn, which help match you with advertisers. Keep in mind that your reach needs to be substantial for these opportunities to be lucrative.
Affiliate Marketing:
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral link. It’s a great way to generate income without requiring a large audience. In this article, for example, you might see links to products or services. In some cases, I might get credit for that click through and may even get a small kickback from the site for sending them business. This is not an unethical practice and many creators use this as a way to supplement their expenses. The slippery slope is in the sell. Stay true and honest. Don’t recommend things you haven’t tried, or if you do, identify the option you use, which you can speak on from a position of authority. I might suggest three or four microphones, but I let you know the ones I use. The others are highly rated and well-respected enough they have become industry-standards.
In my brief career as an automotive salesperson, I would often pay for referrals. I had a program where I paid $50 if you referred someone to me and they bought a used car and $100 if they bought a new car. This is a customer I wouldn’t have had otherwise, so it was encouraging my existing customer base to go spread the word and tell everyone how great I was. If they did, I paid them for the referral. Affiliate marketing is very similar. Don’t be afraid to use it, but just know the financial rewards aren’t what they used to be. It’s still something worth doing, but don’t expect it to fund your dream.
Merchandise:
Sell branded merchandise to your listeners. If you have memorable catchphrases or designs related to your podcast, consider creating and selling items like t-shirts, mugs, or stickers. Platforms like TeeSpring or RedBubble can help you set this up. I use Printify and Shopify for my online merchandise through Josh Brandon Media.
Crowdfunding:
Platforms like Patreon allow your listeners to support you financially in exchange for exclusive content or perks while sites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter fund larger projects. You could use Kickstarter to launch your podcast, or maybe to fund a special episode, but a site like Patreon is more geared toward your premium-level fanbase to support you. It’s a way to create a more direct relationship with your most dedicated fans and provide them with additional value and exclusive content or access to you.
Listener Donations:
Patreon allows for a subscriber-type engagement and donation, while platforms like Buy Me a Coffee allow your audience to support your podcast directly. You can offer exclusive content, early access to episodes, or even special shout-outs to incentivize donations. Another service that was created for this type of engagement was a platform Only for Fans of that specific artist or creator. The idea was “if you like what I am doing here, subscribe to this other place and see more like this but MORE”. Then, that site became literally about SEEING more and found its niche. Many content creators post direct links to digital direct-pay apps like CashApp, Venmo, or PayPal. There are several others.
Paid Website Memberships:
You can create a paid membership model where listeners pay for bonus content, ad-free episodes, or behind-the-scenes material. Patreon is great for this, but you are still on another brand’s website and paying them a portion of what you earn. OR you can host memberships directly through your website. My Podcast Workshop can help with that!
Step 13: How to Get Famous Podcasting
Fame in podcasting isn’t guaranteed, but if you want to increase your odds of standing out in an ocean of podcasts, here are a few tips:
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Be Consistent: Consistency in posting episodes and maintaining quality is key. Audiences appreciate a dependable schedule and a host who delivers.
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Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, create polls, and ask for feedback. People are more likely to support you if they feel connected to you.
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Network: Appear on other podcasts or invite guests from popular shows within your niche. Cross-promotion is a powerful way to grow your audience.
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Create Shareable Moments: Encourage listeners to share episodes by including thought-provoking, funny, or memorable moments. If your content is shareable, your audience will do part of the marketing for you.
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Leverage Social Media: Be active on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and even TikTok. You can grow your podcast’s reputation and fame by creating engaging content that brings more visibility to your episodes.
Conclusion: All This, And You’re Just Getting Started
Feeling a little overwhelmed? You’re not alone! Podcasting can feel like you’re juggling ten tasks at once, from purchasing the right equipment to marketing your brand. While this article covers the essentials, it’s easy to see why many aspiring podcasters quickly realize that there’s more to the process than they initially thought. You’re not just creating content—you’re building a brand, producing high-quality material, and trying to grow an audience all at the same time.
That’s where My Podcast Workshop comes in. If you’re still wondering how to turn your idea into a fully realized podcast, we’re here to help. Our step-by-step course will guide you through everything—from branding and content strategy to launching your first six episodes. Whether you’re stuck on naming your show or figuring out how to market it, we’ll help you get there. Let’s face it, starting a podcast is no small task, but with the right guidance, you’ll be hitting record in no time.
So, You’re Ready to Podcast, Right?
So, there you have it—a quick, easy guide to starting a podcast! Easy, right? You’ve got the equipment, the space, the editing software, the marketing plan, the website, and all that jazz. Let’s celebrate by throwing up some jazz hands! That’s a lot off your plate! Now, all that’s left is… well, everything else!
But here’s the thing: The gear and technical side are just the tip of the iceberg. Who are you as a host? What’s your unique voice? What’s your show really about, and how will your episodes leave a lasting impact on your audience? What is your message? What is your mission? What is your calling? What is your purpose? These are the questions that go beyond microphones and mixers. It’s about refining your brand, defining your message, and shaping the story you want to tell.
If reading this guide felt like a lot, trust me—it’s nothing compared to actually being the host, main character, producer, editor, marketer, and CEO of your podcast. That’s where My Podcast Workshop comes in. We help you take that brilliant idea and transform it into something your audience can’t wait to hear. Whether you’re crafting a solo series or coordinating with co-hosts, we’re here to help you refine, polish, and launch your dream podcast.
Now you just have to decide whether you want to handle all of this yourself, or let a seasoned talent coach help guide you through the maze.
So, ready to take the plunge? Let’s make it happen—together. Your voice, your story, your podcast. Don’t just create – INFLUENCE!
Join My Podcast Workshop and let’s create something amazing together!
Start YOUR Podcast!
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My Podcast Workshop is your last “next step” for those who have been thinking about starting a podcast but have something standing in your way. My Podcast Workshop is a customized and personalized podcast starter with a strategic approach to building your podcast from the ground up.
You’ll get everything you need to create and launch a podcast in at least 60 days. From conception to marketing and building your brand beyond, My Podcast Workshop will take you from “I should start a podcast” to “I have a podcast!”
